Just bought the LHT complete and I am very happy with. It is an upgrade from my Bianchi Volpe which I took across the US a few summers ago. I will be taking the LHT on a 2 week tour in a few days.
I first found out the LHT from a buddy who owns a Co-Motion Americano and has worked in bike shops for years. He bought the Co-Motion a year ago and says that he would have bought the LHT complete if it was available at the time.
IMHO the value of the complete LHT is unbeatable. Sure building it up yourself is more fun but I'd save $$$ and upgrade anything when/if it brakes.